"Blanket" Tourist Visa for Russia is included for the duration of this sightseeing cruise excursion!
Visit the Fountain Park in Peterhof, Monplaisir Palace (Catherine Block and Bath Block), Hermitage Museum and Church on the Split Blood!
Entrance fees to all museums in the excursion!
Packed lunch and bottled water!
All port fees and taxes!
Small groups - maximum 16 guests!
St. Petersburg is a city beyond words. In this full-day excursion, you will learn about the present and past of the city while you admire beautiful sites such as Peterhof, the Hermitage Museum and the Church on the Spilt Blood.
This unique, small-group excursion begins outside the immigration booth in front of your ship in St. Petersburg, where you will meet your professional, knowledgeable guide and driver. No need to worry about a visa...your blanket visa is included! With your passport information, your local operator will arrange it all so as soon as your ship is cleared, you have the right to leave the ship! You will travel in style as you step into your air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle for the duration of your trip. Before your guided visit to one of the world's greatest museums, the Hermitage, you will see some of the most magnificent and historic sites within the city limits. Nevsky Prospekt, National Library, Square of the Arts, Russian Museum, Monument of Peter the Great, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral are just some of the famous landmarks you will view on this exclusive drive by, window city sightseeing of St.Petersburg.
At the State Hermitage Museum, you will view amazing examples of Italian High Renaissance art, as well as unrivaled collections of paintings by Rembrandt, the extensive collection of Dutch and Flemish masters, treasures from Siberia and Central Asia, Egyptian and classical antiquities, and Persian and Chinese artworks, among many others. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sheer opulence of the Winter Palace where the Tsars once held court. Visiting all of its' 350 exhibition rooms would entail a walk of over 6 miles (10 km) while glancing at every item, even just momentarily, would take over 9 years to accomplish.
Following a scenic drive, you will arrive at Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens established by Peter the Great. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will walk the Lower Fountain Park and one of the small palaces. The Lower Fountain Park, designed in French style, is comprised of about 252 acres featuring abundant fountains, all of which operate using gravity alone. Peterhof, with its spectacular architecture and manicured gardens, is said to rival Versailles in France. Before returning back to the city you will enjoy a freshly prepared packed lunch (sandwich and juice or bottled water).
Once back in the city, your excursion ends with a visual treat, the Church of the Split Blood, which was erected to commemorate Tsar Alexander II as an outstanding Russian figurehead. The Church is renowned for its architectural design and works as a museum, showcasing rare examples of Russian mosaic art.
At the conclusion of the adventure, you will make your way back to your St. Petersburg cruise terminal.
